I know this isn't te proper thread, but there are so many geniuses on this forum, I thought you guys wouldn't care. Here's the message I posted on a Lexus forum:

My wife started her car this morning and it's sputtering like crazy. When you give it gas the tach pegs itself at zero and it runs real rough. No check engine lights are on. The engine smells like something is burning, but moreso on the inside of the car with the heat on. I have no clue what's going on. I sprayed Amsoil throttle body cleaner through the MAF as their directiosn indicate just to make sure the MAF sensor wasn't dirty or anything like that. Right now, it's drying. Could a fuel filter get clogged all of a sudden? What could cause this?

Chris

 

Is there any smoke when this is happening?

I would go to Autozone, get a new MAF sensor, carefully put it in and try it out. If it runs, you can keep it and know that was the problem. If not, return it. No harm, no foul.

I say MAF.

 

Their like $600 or something like that. I tried cleaning it, and I'm waiting for it to dry right now. I'm going to see if that helped at all. Could it be the fuel filter you think?

Chris

 

Well, it could be an injector problem as a direct result of a fuel filter not doing its job. But, you can test the injectors and MAF the same, with a multimeter.

If I am correct, there are some contacts inside the MAF that can get "burnt."

I know its expenive...Put the MAF on a credit card, then return it. If you dont want to pay someone to do the ohm readings.

 

Do you know where I can check it out with the multimeter? Is this the same as a ohmmeter/voltmeter? I can't beleive this happened. What a pain in the butt. Thanks for the help, though.

Chris

 

Yes, a multimeter almost always has an ohm meter capability, that is why I just say "multimeter."

If you dont have the FSM, its going to be pretty difficult. There are specific resistance reading ranges etc that the car needs to fall into (under certain conditions), so unless you have the FSM and a mulitimeter, it might be worth your time to have someone do it.

I know how you feel. It sucks. I am a perfectionist, and I hate when things are outstanding and "wrong" with the car(s).

Of course, I am far from perfect.

Hang in there, you will get this figured out!

 

Thanks man! I know I'll get it figured out once I take it in to a shop, but that always seems to cost a ton of money, especially on this car. Thanks for everything!

Chris

 

Hey guys,

I just wanted to let you know how things turned out on the Lexus. They replaced the left Ignition Coil for about $185. I thought it wasn't too bad. Just wanted to let you all know.

Chris

 

Hello there. I am a new member and want to thank all of you for your posts. I had the same problem last night and I went down to my local auto parts store and bought an ignition coil. It fixed my problem. What a savings. I will post all my SC400 fix solutions from now on to help others. Have a good one.

 

get over to www.lextreme.com and do a search there, tons of into on the 1uz. or its broken and i can take it off your hands.